Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 1

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Boston [Mass.] Biographical review pub. co.
Number of Pages: 658

USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire > Part 1

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GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01092 4147

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Biographical Review

THIS VOLUME CONTAINS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF

LEADING CITIZENS OF

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Biographical leVIEW

"Biography is the home aspect of history"

BOSTON BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY

1895

7 74 59 .13

PREFACE.

1136222

H AVING wrought as we were able with the material kindly furnished us, we take pleasure in offering to our subscribers this volume of up-to-date Rockingham County biog- raphies, feeling that, howsoever it may fall short of ideal perfection, or the superior excellence striven after, it meets in a way a real need, gratifies a taste of the times, and occupies

a place hitherto unfilled. It has happily come to be recognized as the duty of every genera- tion, not only to live its own life, but to write its own records for the benefit of posterity. History sets forth the principal events marking the progress of civilization, deals with the nations and a few great leaders ; genealogy offers a study of dry names and dates; biography, acknowledging its indebtedness to both, has its own special province, concerns itself with the individual, is history intimately written, shows personal character and action on the stage of existence. The average newspaper of to-day gives undue prominence to the evil done by men of ill-will or misguided passion. To the writer of select biographies falls the pleasant task of setting down what is best deserving of remembrance and emulation in the virtuous lives, earnest and efficient, of workers in various fields of useful activity. The lineage of some whose fortunes are traced in these pages extends back to the early settlers of "Strawberry Bank," of Hampton, of "the Chestnut Country," of "Old Nutfield," or of other historic localities; . and most, if not all the worthies here commemorated are of native birth, and come of stock well rooted in the soil.

Coming generations will do well to honor the memory and emulate the virtues of ancestors, near and remote, who, to borrow the eloquent language of another, "by their industrious toil and faithful citizenship have kept sweet the heart of New England civilization."

SEPTEMBER, 1896.

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING CO.

Alex He. Lade

BIOGRAPHICAL.

LEXANDER HAMILTON LADD, of Portsmouth, N. H., a representative citizen in a community noted for wealth, literary culture, and refine- ment, numbers among his an- cestral connections some of the oldest families in the State. He was born in this ancient town by the sea on July 27, 1815, son of Alex- ander and Maria Tufton (Haven) Ladd, the former a native of Exeter, N.H.

Mr. Alexander H. Ladd, whose portrait appears as the frontispiece in this volume, is of the eighth generation in descent from Lieu- tenant Daniel Ladd, a native of England, who came to America in the "Mary and John " in 1633, was in Ipswich, Mass., in 1637, and in 1640 was one of the twelve persons by whom the first settlement was made at Pentucket, now Haverhill, Mass. He was early chosen one of the Selectmen of the new town; and in 1658 he and a Mr. Shatswell built the first saw-mill on the Spicket River. Daniel Ladd was the father of Nathaniel and grandfather of Nathaniel Ladd, Jr., who was the father of Joseph Ladd. The immediate progenitor of the family in Portsmouth was Joseph's son, Colonel Eliphalet Ladd, who removed to this city in 1792. He married in Exeter, in 1772, Miss Abigail Hill, by whom he had ten chil- dren, eight living to maturity, among them being two sons - William and Alexander.

Colonel Eliphalet Ladd was an enterprising merchant and ship-owner in the palmy days of Portsmouth as a commercial centre. He was a person of great decision of character, a lib- eral-minded, progressive, public-spirited citi- zen, one of the builders of Portsmouth. In

1797, nearly one hundred years ago, he and two or three others formed the Aqueduct Com- pany, and, purchasing the Oak Hill Springs, furnished the city with an unfailing supply of pure water. Colonel Ladd's eldest son, Will- iam Ladd, who was born in Exeter in 1776, was graduated at Harvard College, and died in Portsmouth in 1841, was widely known as the "apostle of peace," being one of the founders of the American Peace Society, of which he was President for a number of years.

Another son of Eliphalet Ladd, Alexander, named above as the father of Alexander Ham- ilton Ladd, born in Exeter, was, like his father, a successful merchant of Portsmouth. He married Maria Tufton Haven, daughter of the Hon. Nathaniel Appleton Haven, of this city. She was a descendant of Captain John Mason, who received from the Plymouth Com- pany in England successive grants of land, embracing the greater part of New Hampshire, the title to which is said to have been con- firmed by King Charles I.

Alexander Hamilton Ladd fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N.H., one of the most noted preparatory schools in New England, and, entering Dartmouth, continued his studies there for one year only. Prefer- ring a life of business activity to scholarly seclusion or professional routine, as soon as he attained his majority he embarked in the enterprise of refining sperm oil, which proved a profitable undertaking. A few years later he turned his attention to the manufacture of cotton yarns, he, with others, erecting a large steam-mill for the purpose. After that he was for a number of years engaged in buying cotton in Southern Texas, still, however, making his home in Portsmouth. His time is now devoted to the care of his private inter-

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

ests and the indulgence of his taste for litera- ture, art, and antiquities.

Mr. Ladd was married in Portsmouth to Miss Elizabeth Wyer Jones, a native of Ports- mouth, daughter of William and Ann (Parry) Jones. They have four children, namely : Annie, now Mrs. J. Langdon Ward; William J., clerk of the Board of Directors of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad ; Elizabeth, wife of Charles E. Wentworth ; Maria Tufton, wife of Manning Emery. Be- sides these, Mr. Ladd has eighteen grand-chil- dren living.

Mr. Ladd owns and occupies the house erected by his great-great-grandfather, John Moffatt, more than one hundred years ago, a spacious Colonial mansion, the first three- story dwelling-house built in the State. Among the distinguished guests who have been entertained within its walls may be named Presidents Washington, Adams, and Pierce. The mantel-piece in the library was formerly in a house belonging to Mr. Ladd's far-off ancestor in England, and was brought over when this house was built. The exten- sive grounds, beautified by application of the principles of landscape gardening, and the artistic furniture, the numerous paintings, in- cluding portraits in oil representing seven generations, the library of choice and rare vol- umes - luxuries of literature - and the many other curios and antiques betoken the ample means and elegant tastes of the owner, who is a connoisseur of art and a gentleman of the old school, courteous and kindly.

In church affiliation Mr. Ladd is a Uni- tarian, holding that "practical religion is summed up in love to God and love to man"; and in politics, formerly a Whig, he has been a Republican ever since the formation of the party.

OHN M. FREEZE, of Deerfield, an ex-member of the New Hampshire leg- islature and for many years a promi- nent figure in local affairs, was born upon the farm he now owns and occupies, September 3, 1821, son of Jacob and Eunice (James) Freeze. The family is of English origin. Its ancestors were early settlers in

Rockingham County, and representatives of it from time to time have served the public in various positions of responsibility and trust. Andrew Freeze, the grandfather of John M., was born in Epping, this county, October 1, 1747. When a young man he settled in Deerfield, where for many years he was en- gaged in both farming and milling. He took a prominent part in developing the town; and he was actively identified with its business interests until his death, which occurred Octo- ber 19, 1814, at the age of sixty-seven years. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as a Selectman and in other town offices. In his religious belief he was a Congregational- ist. He married Shuah Thurston, and had six children; namely, Sarah (first), Sarah (sec- ond), Ann, Jacob, Gordon, and Dudley, none of whom are living.

Jacob Freeze, a native of Deerfield, was born October 29, 1778. In young manhood he adopted his father's occupation of farming and milling. He operated the mills here for many years, doing a large and profitable busi- ness. The community, whose entire confi- dence he had, intrusted him with the trans- action of all their legal business during his long and useful period of activity. In poli- tics he was a vigorous advocate of Democratic principles. A leader in public affairs, he served as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for a number of years, was a State Senator for one term, and a member of the House of Rep- resentatives for several terms. He was a Congregationalist in his religious views, and continued an active member of that church until his death, which occurred August 14, 1843, at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, who was before marriage Eunice James, be- came the mother of eight children, three of whom are living, namely: Jackson, a resident of Pittsfield, N.H .; Clarissa A., who is resid- ing with her brother in Deerfield; and John M., the subject of this sketch. It is a fact well worthy of mention that four of the sons of Jacob Freeze - Andrew, Benjamin, Jack - son, and John M. - were elected to the House of Representatives for one or more terms; while Andrew Freeze, who was born August 17, 1804, served as Clerk of both the House and Senate for a number of years.

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

John M. Freeze received his education in the common schools of Deerfield and at Pem- broke Academy. After completing his studies he engaged in operating a saw and grist mill here, which he successfully continued for sev- eral years. He finally relinquished that busi- ness for the purpose of devoting his entire attention to the cultivation of the homestead farm, where he has always resided. The property contains two hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, the tillage portion of which is exceedingly productive. He has been ex- tensively engaged in general farming and stock raising. At the present time he kecps about six head of stock, and cmploys one as- sistant. Like other members of the family, he has filled a prominent place in public affairs. He was elected Selectman by the Democratic party for some years, was Town Agent when the present school-houses were built: and he represented this district in the legislature dur- ing the years 1862 and 1863. Mr. Freeze is a Master Mason in Rockingham Lodge, No. 76, of Candia. He attends the Congrega- tional church.

ZRA BARKER, of Stratham, the span of whose useful existence lacks but a few years of a century, was born on the farm he occupies and owns, May 22, 1803, son of Levi and Mary (Wiggin) Barker. His grandfather, Ezra, likewise a native of Strat- ham, who was born in 1722, spent his life on the farm, and, with his wife, there rcared his children. In religious belief Grandfather Barker was a Baptist. He lived to a green old age, leaving to his children, with his worldly possessions, the more precious inheri- tance of an unblemished name.

Levi Barker, who was born on the old farm in 1768, also followed the occupation of fariner, was very successful, and became an influential man in the community. He also professed the Baptist faith, was successively a Whig and a Republican, and served the town as Selectman and as Representative in the State legislature. He married Mary Wiggin, and became the father of eight chil- dren, three sons and five daughters, all of whom attained maturity. They were: Mark,

George, Mary, Nancy, Elizabeth, Ezra, Martha J., and Abbie. All but Ezra are now de- ceased.

Ezra Barker, the sixth-born of his parents' children, received his early education in the schools of Stratham. Subsequently he took a supplementary course at Greenland Academy, after which he returned to the old homestead, and engaged in farming, which has been his principal occupation since. He inherited the farm from his father. It contains one hundred and ninety acres, and it is managed in a manner that brings a good income. He has also established a fine nursery business in Stratham, and has been a most successful fruit grower.

During the earlier period of his life Mr. Barker was noted for his business plans. Though he is the oldest resident of his town, he is still full of interest in general affairs. He has rarely during his past life missed one of the town meetings ; and now, in his declin- ing years, he still attends them, putting lag- gards to the blush and setting a worthy example to all. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, while his religious belief is broad and liberal. Although Mr. Barker has never married, and has none of the usual domestic ties that bind a man to the social conventionalities, he has a host of affectionate friends about him who look up to him with revcrential respect. Old and young of Stratham both love and reverence in him its faithful citizen and oldest inhabitant.

OSHUA P. DRAKE, of North Hamp- ton, who represents one of the old New Hampshire families, was born on the family homestead in this town, Janu- ary 22, 1823. His parents were Samuel and Mehitable (Pickering) Drake, the mother a member of the old and distinguished Pickering family of Newington, N.H. The homestead was first occupied by two brothers named Drake, who redeemed it from the primeval wilderness. Abram Drake, great-grandfather of Joshua P'., and Nathaniel, the grandfather, were born there. Nathaniel Drake, a very wealthy farmer and a man of intellect and decision, was often called upon to settle dis-

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

putes regarding estates in the locality. At the time of the Revolutionary War he contrib- uted a yoke of oxen to the patriot cause, and took an active part in the hostilities, bearing the rank of Colonel, and shared in the fights at Ticonderoga. Colonel Drake lived to at- tain the great age of ninety-nine years. He married Elizabeth Jenness, a native of Rye, N. HI. Samuel Drake spent his life in his native town, attending the district school in boyhood, and devoting his mature years to the pursuit of agriculture on the homestead. He died when comparatively young, leaving a family of eight children, namely; Fabyan, Samuel J., Joshua P., Abbie, Olive, Emily A., Mary E., and Freeman.

Joshua P. Drake was educated in the schools of his native town and at Andover (Mass. ) Academy. When a young man he thought of engaging in some other business than farming, and attempted to sell the homestead; but cir- cumstances over which he had no control changed his purpose, and he has followed in the footsteps of his forefathers up to the pres- ent time. His home, which is now on the line of the Eastern Railroad, has been a point of interest to the travelling public for many years. In the old days of stage-coaches and informal good fellowship the stages that plied between Portsmouth and Boston used to stop here and change horses. The railroad was opened in 1840, taking a mile of the Drake farm, so that travellers still pass the old place, though the iron horse makes no stop for the interchange of civilities. The pro- prietor erected a fine set of buildings in 1889.

Mr. Drake was married in 1851 to Sarah D., daughter of Simon and Julia (Chapman) Leavitt, of Northampton. Of their eight children four are living, namely: Justin E., born in 1855; Elmer, in 1861; Annie F., in 1862; and Hetty P., in 1868. Justin, who assists his father on the farm, was married in January, 1894, to Ethiel Tobey, daughter of Hiram and Esther (Sayward) Tobey, members of two of the oldest families of Kittery, Me. Justin Drake and his wife have one daughter, Esther. He is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Hampton. Mr. Drake cast his first vote for the Whig candidate, Henry Clay, in 1844.

He held a high office in the Know Nothing party, and has been a member of the Repub- lican party since its formation.

OBERT ROWE'S SONS, manufact- urers in Brentwood of wheels, bodies, seats, gears, and other carriage be- longings, are potent factors in the industrial interests of this town. The family is widely known and esteemed throughout the county. Robert Rowe, the father, was born on the homestead in this town now owned by his sons. His parents were Jonathan and Annie (Robinson) Rowe, who here reared their family of three children. Robert, with a natural bent for mechanical work, learned the carpenter's trade when a young man. After following that trade in Lynn, Mass., for a number of years, he returned to Brentwood, settling in Crawley's Falls, and here resided until his death, June 20, 1882, at the age of seventy-two years. Some time before his death he established a mill, and laid the foun- dation for the present extensive business of his sons. His wife, a native of Brentwood, whose maiden name was Sallie T. Sinclair, passed away February 7, 1885, aged seventy- one years. They reared five children - Ellen, Jonathan S., James H., Joseph R., and Georgc R. Ellen, now deceased, married Andrew Brown, who resides in Fremont township. Jonathan S., who served as a volunteer in the late Civil War, was killed December 13, . 1862, at the battle of Fredericksburg. James H., Joseph R., and George R. constitute the firm of Robert Rowe's Sons.

James H. Rowe, the eldest member of the firm, is now Postmaster of Brentwood. He was born September 1, 1843, in Crawley's Falls, and was there reared to manhood. He married Miss Emma P. Little, a native of Epping, this county, and has a son and a daughter. These are: Annie, the wife of W. C. Hoyt, of Bradford, Mass .; and John M. Rowe, who belongs to the fraternity of Knights Templars. In politics James H. Rowe is a stanch and loyal Democrat.

Joseph R. Rowe was born January 1, 1846, in Brentwood, where he has so far spent his life, and of which he is now one of the fore-

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

most residents. He is a stalwart Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in local affairs. He has served acceptably in various town offices. In 1885 he represented Brent- wood in the State legislature. On September 6, 1871, he married Miss Sarah Abbie Robin- son, a descendant of a well-known family of this place; and they have one child, Lil- lian S.

The Hon. George R. Rowe is the youngest of his parents' children. He was born Feb- ruary 22, 1849, and was married July 3, 1870, to Miss Betsey J. Gordon, a native of Brent- wood. Two children have been born to him and his wife, namely: G. Russell, who mar- ried Gertrude Faulkner, and now lives in Brentwood; and Robert G., now a student of Dartmouth College. In politics the father supports Republican principles, both by speech and vote. He represented his town in the State legislature in 1889, and served as State Senator in 1891 and 1892.

The three brothers are members of the Masonic Order, having affiliation with the Blue Lodge, No. 84, of Kingston, N.H. Jo- seph R. and George R. are members of De Witt Clinton Commandery, Knights Tem- plars, of Portsmouth, and of the Aleppo Tem- ple, Mystic Shrine, of Boston, Mass., where they frequently attend banquets.

After the death of their father these three sons took charge of the business left by him, and have since prosperously conducted it. They execute orders for carriage woodwork of all kinds with promptitude and thoroughness. They also manage the homestead farm, which contains one hundred acres of land, largely in a good state of cultivation and conveniently located about six miles from the city of Exeter.

J OHN O. EDGERLY, of Epping, a well-known farmer and ex-Representa- tive to the State legislature, was born in Lec, Strafford County, N. H., Sep- tember 5, 1835. His parents were Orin and Betsey (Shaw) Edgerly. His father, Orin Edgerly, who was a native of this county, spent his early years in Epping, subsequently removing to Strafford, where for some years

he was engaged in farming. He finally re- turned to Epping, and died there, October 3, 1885, having almost attained the age of ninety years. His life was spent in faithful atten- tion to the duties ncar at hand. His wife, who was a native of Brentwood, N. H., closed her earthly career on November 20, 1861.

John O. Edgerly, after acquiring the ele- ments of knowledge in the district schools, learned the shoemaker's trade, which he fol- lowed for several years, but subsequently turned his attention to agriculture. He has a fine farm of one hundred acres, to which he has given his exclusive attention of late; and his excellent crops attest his thorough knowl- edge of farming. In politics he has always held firmly to the principles of the Democratic party ; and in 1876, also 1877, hc represented his town with credit in the State legislature. For several years Mr. Edgerly has been iden- tified with the Masonic Order.

On November 22, 1868, he was united in marriage to Annie E. Plumer, a daughter of Samuel Plumer, who belongs to one of the oldest families in Rockingham County. Mr. and Mrs. Edgerly have three living children- Walter S., Lewis L., and Bessie I. The mother is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Edgerly has spent his life in the community, to its betterment, and is fairly entitled to the social respect and recog- nition which he receives.

EORGE D. RAND, First Selectman of Chester, was born in this town, August 22, 1848, son of John B. and Dorcas (Hobart) Rand. He belongs to the third generation of the family. His grand- father, Joseph Rand, who was a native of the town of Gilford, N. H., moved to Chester, when his son John was about seven years old. John B. Rand, who was born in Gilford, grew to manhood in Chester. He worked as a farmer, laborer, and carpenter. He moved from Chester to Lynn, Mass., and from there to Minnesota. While in Minnesota he was engaged in agriculture successively in Stearns and Todd Counties. His last days were spent in Chester, where he died March 27, 1895. His first wife, whose maiden name was Lois

BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Seavey, was born in Chester, and died in that town. She was the mother of four children, namely: Melissa, now deceased; Jane M., who lives in East Candia, N.H. ; Charles J., residing in Santa Fe, N.M ; and a child who died in infancy. His second marriage was contracted with Mrs. Dorcas (Hobart) Barrett, a widow, her first husband being Robert Bar- rett, of Nashua, N. H., where he died. By her first union she had five children, namely : Amanda, now in Candia; Aldustia, in Chester ; Mary and Lydia, both deceased; and a child who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Rand had but one child besides our subject. This was Laura Etta, now the widow of John Brown, residing in Todd County, Minnesota.

George D. Rand obtained his education in the common schools of Chester and New Hampton, N. H. After finishing his studies he went to Lynn, Mass., where he obtained employment in the heeling department of a shoc factory, and remained about twelve years. In 1879 he returned to Chester, and settled upon the farm which has been his home since. As a farmer he has been very successful. He also burns charcoal on his land, thereby add- ing materially to his income. His farm, which lies about a mile west of Chester vil- lage, was originally a very large one. Mr. Rand has sold part of it, retaining forty acres for his own usc. He is prominent in the councils of Grange No. 169, Patrons of Hus- bandry, to which he has belonged for some time.

Mr. Rand has also been twice married. By his first marriage, contracted November 27, 1869, in Lynn, Mass., he was united to Miss Julia Allen. A native of North Berwick, Me., she was a daughter of Augustus Allen, a farmer and shoemaker, who resided for some time in North Berwick and Lynn. She died January 21, 1881, leaving three children, namely: Myra, who was born December I, 1871, now the wife of George E. Stevens, of Epping, this county; Charles D., who was born November 2, 1875, now living with his father; and Jennie E., born April 4, 1879, who resides in Methuen, Mass. Mr. Rand's second marriage was contracted January II, 1883, with Miss Lenora L. Parker, a native of Sandwich, N.II., who was born February 12,

1857, daughter of Samucl S. and Mary N. (Wentworth) Parker. Mr. Parker, who is a native of Franklin, N. H., and a shoemaker by trade, is now living in the village of Chester. His wife, a native of Deerfield, N.H., died April 9, 1881. By his second union Mr. Rand has had six children, namely: Maude R., born September 24, 1883; Lulu May, born March 26, 1885; Lauren Stillman, born April 21, 1887, who died July 19, 1888; George Edward, born August 31, 1889; Lena Melissa, born August 8, 1891 ; and Adell Au- gusta, born April 10, 1895.

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Biographical review; this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, Part 1

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Boston [Mass.] Biographical review pub. co. Number of Pages: 658

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Boston [Mass.] Biographical review pub. co.
Number of Pages: 658